Rectifying switch



Dec. 9, 1930. J. B. WANTZ RECTIFYING SWITCH Filed Sept. 4, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.\

FLC. UHF.

RC. UHF.

\NVFHTOR ouuus 5. WRNTL Dec. 9, 1930. J. B. WANTZ RECTIFYING SWITCH Filed Sept. 4-, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WVENTOK JUUUS B \NRNTZ HTTORNEY Patented Dec, 9, 1930 UNrrsn STATES PATENT oFricE JULIUS IB. WANTZOF oAK PARK, ILLINOIS RncTI FYmG SWITCH Application filed September 4,1925. Serial No. 54,461.

a highly developed scientific instrument adapted to the present day commercial demands of X-ray'maichine's.

Among the objects which are attained in the present invention are the follow-ing:-

An improvement in a rotor for such a device which is adapted to reduce a1r reslstance and to permit of the operation of the lIlStI'Ll mentality in true synchronism with a source of current supply; 7 I v The shapingof blades of a rotating switch member whereby to allow the use of'a low powered motor to drive such switch and to eliminate the noise incident to most rectifiers of the rotating type;

An improved arrangement'of insulating plates between rotating switch arms and the several stationary connectors in association therewith more thoroughly insulating electrodes of one polarity from those of the other polarity, preventing spark-over, and increasing the compactness of such an apparatus;

Unique means for holding such insulating plates in position in'a rectifying switch and permitting'the ready disassembly thereof;

An improvement in brackets for supporting stationary connectors employed in a rectifying switch;

' A novel'arrangement of a wiring system in a rectifying switch admitting of the employment of a pre-reading voltmeter;

Additional improvements in a wiring system for such a dev ce simplifying the connections between the stationary connectors;

An unique arrangement for a frame permitting such a device to be set upeither as a right hand or a left hand machine, such frame including unique conduit holding members adapting it for use upon either side of the frame; and

motor circuit.

Animproved frame structure whereby'to retard sparking over or short circuiting.

These, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, are attained by the novel construction; combination; and arrangement of the several elements comprising the invention, one embodiment of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, hereby made a part of this application, and in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic or schematic arrangement for a commercial device embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation of such a commercial embodiment;

Figure 3 is an end View of the device shown in Figure 2.

Like reference characters are used to' designate similar parts in the drawing and in the description which follows.

7 Reference should first be had to Figure 1. This is a wiring diagram of a device such as is illustrated in the remaining figuresof the drawings shown set up for operation with a tube and proper control members.

Beginning at the lower left hand corner of said Figure 1, it is proper to say that the legend A C line indicates a source of power for inducin a high tension current and for actuating a synchronous motor for driving the rectifying switch forming the principal subjectmatter of this application for patent. Fuses may be arranged in said A C line as indicated and a lamp circuit for indicating the flow of current in said A C line is disclosed.

Said A Cline leads to a line switch which may concurrently open the circuit leading to a transformer for'inducing high tension current and to a synchronous motor.

The first circuit shown in the wiring diagram, to'be described will be designated the Mains run directly from said line switch to a synchronous motor M. A secondary circuit from one of the taps of said. synchronous motor M has arranged therein a polarity rectifier PR- and a polarity indicator PI, and connects with the conduit in said motor circuit leading back to the other tap on said motor. Fuses may be arranged in said motor c rcuit as indicated.

The motor M and its base is grounded as is common in the art.

The circuit for inducing high tension current comprises a conduit from one of the conduits of said A C line to one fixed terminal of an autotransformer AT, the other fixed terminal of said transformer being connected to the other conduit in said A Cline. From the movable contacts in said autotransformer AT, mains run to a high tension transformer HTT. One main includes a rheostat R and an operating switch S therein and is connected to one terminal of the primary of said high tension transformer HTT. From the other terminal of the primary of said high tension transformer HTT, a second main runs to the other movable contact in said autotransformer AT.

A surge arrester SA is in parallel with the primary of said high tension transformer HTT, and said surge arrester is grounded as is usual in the art.

A voltmeter V, hereinafter called the prereading voltmeter is connected in the primary side of said high tension transformer circuit and is so connected that said voltmeter V is in circuit even though the operating switch S is open. By providing a high tension circuit scale on said voltmeter V, the figures thereon indicating the high tension current produced by the variousvoltages impressed upon the primary of said high tension transformer HTT, it is possible for an operator to be preinformed just what high tension current will be induced when the switch S is closed.

From the secondary of the said high tension transformer HTT, conduits lead to two pairs of separated shoes or conductors, all preferably at the bottom of the rectifying switch and parallel one to another. An insulating plate or plates are arranged between said pairs of shoes. The pair of shoes at the right are always of opposite polarity from the polarity of the shoes at the left, and the polarity of each pair of shoes is constantly changing. The shoes and plates just mentioned will be more completely described later.

At the top of the device are also four shoes in parallel arrangement; The two external shoes are insulated from the two internal or pair of shoes by plates or pairs of plates. Said pair of internal shoes are electrically connected to the anode of an X-ray tube, illustrated thereabove, the particular tube here shown being of the hot cathode type.

Intermediate the two external shoes is a connector element the construction and arrangement of which forms a part of the subject matter of the present application for patent. Said connector is adapted to be disposed upon either side of the frame of the deviceby wooden ear members and is electrically connected to the cathode of said tube. Intermediate the mains leading to the anode and cathode in said tube is a spark gap.

The rotating part of the rectifying switch comprises a shaft of insulating material mechanically connected to said synchronous motor M so that it rotates therewith and at precisely the same speed. In apertures in said shaft, each succeeding aperture having an axis 90 removed from the preceding aperture, are rod electrodes, each encased in a dielectric material extending substantially its entire length but exposing the opposite ends thereof.

By trading the high tension circuit, it will be noted that the alternating electrical impulses delivered at the lower pairs of shoes are, by the action of the synchronous motor M actuating the rotating connectors to make electrical connections with said lower pairs of the stationary connectors, caused to be delivered. in the circuit comprising the anode conduit, the cathode conduit, the tube, and the upper sets of shoes, unidirectional current the polarity of which is indicated by the polarity indicator PI.

As previously stated, the tube is of the hot cathode type. A separate circuit is disclosed for heating the cathode thereof.

In the A C line shown at the upper left hand corner of Figure 1, a switch marked FS is arranged to open and close the filament circuit. From said switch FS, the circuit includes the primary of a step-down transformer, and in one conduit thereof is a rheostat or other current regulator designator FR.

From the secondary of said step-down transformer, the circuit on one side comprises a conduit to the cathode of said tube insulated from the conduit carrying high tension current to said tube, and on the other side, said circuit includes said high tension main and a second main connected thereto provided with an ammeter A to indicate the current passing through the heat producing coil of resistance wire in the cathode of said tube.

A complete description of circuits used in the rectifying switch here disclosed and a tube used in association therewith having been given, the mechanical features of the rectifying switch will now be described, such description being more detailed as to the parts thereof which are new and improvements over the conventional.

In carrying out the invention, a frame is employed for holding the various elements. A frame as is shown in Figures 2 and 3 may be employed.

A rigid and well reinforced frame is necessary, and its structure should be such that any, tendency to short circuit is obviated. WVhile the frame may assume many different designs, that illustrated is highly efiieient and and is the result of careful experimentation practical application to the problem in hand. w

Ordinarily four pairs of uprights are employed. These are designated 101, 102, 103, and 104. Longitudinal baseboards 106 are arranged at each side of the device and transverse baseboards 107 are at each end of the frame.

Uprights 101, 102, and 103 on opposite sides of the device are secured to baseboards 106 with their broader sides flush with said baseboard 106, while uprights 104 are joined to said baseboard 106 at one of their narrow edges. One of-baseboards 107 is secured to one of the narrow edges of uprights 101 while the other of said baseboards 107 is affixed to uprights 104 with one of the broader surfaces of said upright 104 flush upon the internal face of said baseboard 107'. 7

Connecting uprights 101 and 102 are two parallel longitudinal side members 108 and 109. It will be noted that said uprights 101 and 102 extend upwardly further than uprights 103 and 104. The rectifying switch proper is disposed upon the frame built about uprights 101 and 102, while the synchronous motor M for driving such rectifying switch is mounted upon a platform generally level with the tops of uprights 103 and 104. I

At the left hand end of the frame shown in Figure 2, is a transverse brace member 110. This member is adapted to provide a bearing'support for theshaft of thesynchronous motor which shaft carries the connectors in the rectifying switch, and is ordinarily disposed in a plane immediately be neath that of the longitudinal brace members 108. Additional transverse members 111 and 112 are arranged intermediate the paired uprights 101, and these support the shoes which formconnectors adapted to 116 ceive current from or discharge current from the rod connectors put in motion by sychronous'motor M. It will be noted that the construction of members 111 and 112 differ slightly and the reason for this will later be explained.

Intermediate the uprights 102 is a brace member 113 which is paired with brace 110 and provides a second shaft bearing support. A member 114identica'l with member 111 is disposed across the tops of said supports 102, and a transverse member 115 identical with member 112 and arranged parallel therewith is also secured intermediate said uprights 102. Intermediate upper longitudinal brace members 109 is a transversemember 116 identical with members 111 and 114 and parallel therewith. I

versely to members 104. Upon members 117 and 118 is secured apair of'shelf or top members 119 the-innermost ends of which are sup ported by the cross member 113, the ends of 119 being secured thereto by upwardly extending screws or other suitable fastening vide separators and supports for spaced insnlatin'g glass sheets shortly to be described. Members 121, similar to members 120, but 'oppositely directed are arranged upon longitudinal braces 108 equidistant from and parallel to imaginary lines drawn as extensions of members 120.

Immediately beneath the members 120 are block members 122, of generally rectangular body formation and having an extension or lug 123 projecting therefrom above the top edge of longitudinal brace members 108. Directly beneath members 121 are supporting and separating members 123a quite'similar in construction and configuration to members 122.

Resting upon members 122 are two sheets or panes of glass 124 relatively thin and held in spaced parallel relation. For holding said panes 124 upon members 122, and for protection against fracture, a. strip of felt 125 is I disposed with one end thereof to the left of PIOJGCtlOIl or lug 123 and the other end to the right of such projection, the body of'the felt strip 125 extending over or above the end of said projection. The sheets 124 rest against said strip of felt 125 and are resiliently held in position thereagainst by a clip member 126 which will now be described.

Said clip member 126 comprises a central flat or body portion provided with an aperture through whichto pass a screw member whereby said clip member 126 is held against displacement from any wooden member heretofore described to which attached. The spreading ends .of the clip member 126 are designated 127, and are outwardly sprung, and then inwardly bent to form a clip surface. The material at'the outer ends of the clip 126 is bent outwardly and rounded to provide for ready attachment of the clip by I spreading the arms 127 of the clip as an incident to forcing it about two sheets of glass held apart by a separator and an intermedi ate integral felt strip.

A second clip member 126 is disposed upon each of members 120, and intermediate members and the glass sheets 124 is another integral strip of felt which extends from the left side of member 120 around the body thereof and to the right side thereof, rather than over the end as the felt 125 is disposed with respect to member 122. The bottom edges of the panes of glass 12st rest upon the body of members 122, separated one from another by lug 123, and are held against down ward displacement by said block 122. Clip members 126 secure said glass sheets 124: from lateral displacement and in parallel alignment.

Two additional sheets of glass 130 of twice the thickness of panes 124; are arranged intermediate the two pairs of lass sheets 12 1 and therebeneath. Sheets 130 are not so widely separated as sheets 12% and are held upon members 123 and 121 in parallel alignment by clips 126, the lower edge of the glass resting upon the body of member 130 separated by the lug at the top thereof. Strips of felt 131 and 132 separate sheets 130 from an actual abutting contact with the separators and supports 121 and 123a.

By again referring to Figure 1, itwill be noted that each of the rod connector elements in the shaft driven by the synchronous motor M is spaced regularly from the next adjacent rod connector. One of said connectors is revolved in the space between uprights 101 and the adjacent pair of glass plates 124; a second connector is revolved between said pair of plates 124: and plates 130; a third connector is revolved between plates 130 and the right hand pair of plates 12 1 in Figure 2, and a fourth connector is revolved intermediate said last mentioned pair of plates 124i and the paired uprights 102.

Upon cross members 111 and 11-1: are arranged oppositely disposed brackets 150 each having a lug adjacent the outer end thereof. At the inner ends of each of brackets 150 are two bosses having vertical slots therein. Upon said bracket 150 is arranged a vertical supporting arm 153 having atthe lower end a boss to which is secured a collector shoe 155. For tilting and vertical adjustment, the slots permit of a plurality of positions. Machine screws passing through said slots are generally employed to connect brackets 150 and arms 153.

Said collector shoe 155 is an arcuate device, L-shaped in cross section and has its flange portion being disposed towards the supporting arm 153. These shoes 155, after assembly with the arms 153 and the brackets 150, are attached, as indicated in Figure 2, to cross members 111 and 11 1 by wood screws. Such wood screws are inserted in two slots or apertures adjacent aim at the opposite sides of the lug which provide for adjust ment of the collector shoe 155 with respect to the rod connector on the motor shaft and which is adapted to pass in close proximity to the longitudinal surface of said shoe to make electrical connection therewith.

Intermediate the two slots or apertures in bracket 150 adapted to receive the screws for holding the device in position on the cross members 111 and 11 1 is said boss 151 which really provides What might be called a terminal post. A hook terminal 156 is secured thereto by a machine or thumb screw 157. The external portion of the connector 156 is bent over or made into the form of a hook to receive a conduit for high tension current after rectification by the rotating switch.

Upon said cross member 116 is a double bracket 160 having at each end bosses 161. This is really bracket 150 made with two ends and arranged for center support. At the center thereof is a lug 162 which is in the form of a terminal post having a screw 163 adapted to secure a hook connector 16%. thereto. Such terminal is identical with terminal 156. Upon bosses 161 which are provided with vertical slots are secured supporting arms 165, identical with arms 153 and having a single boss 166 to which is secured another collector shoe 155, the shoes 155 upon opposite sides of the bracket 160 having their flange portions adjacent. Adjacent lug 162 are two slots which provide for lateral adjustment of the bracket 160.

Upon the cross members 112 and 115 are disposed brackets 170, each provided with a flanged end 170a having slots to receive screws passing into said members and l1 1\" ing a lug 171 to which a hook connector 17 2 9 similar to those previously described afiixed by a thumb or machine screw. Extending upwardly from the bracket 170 which has a slotted outer end is a bifurcated supporting member 17 3 held in said bracket 170 by machine screws passing through said slots in the outer end of bracket 170. in the separated ends of said bifurcated member 173 and held in slots therein is a. collector shoe 155. The flange portions of said collector shoes 155 are arranged in adjacent relation.

Members 111, 11a and 116 are identical. Their opposite edges thereof are provided with a plurality of notches 180, and two apertures 181 are cut through the body thereof. Said members, 111, 1141, and 116 are divided into three sections by said notches 180. The apertures 181 are in the two end sections thereof. The middle sections of members 111 and 114 are adapted to support brackets 150, and the middle section of member 116 supports bracket 160, all of which brackets are secured thereto by screws of no greater length than the depth of the notches 180.

By the arrangement disclosed and described, there is no direct course or straight line by which a current may flow from the bracket 150 across the wooden transverse supports 111, 114 and 116. The danger of short circuiting is further lessened by cinploying screws of less length than the depth of notches 180. It is quite manifest there is no straight line through the material of said supports 111, 11st, and 116 between the screws holding the brackets 150 or 160 and the screws adapted to hold said members 111, 114 and 116 upon the frame of the device.

In members 112 and 115, construction con ditions are different. Brackets 170 are secured to the middle portion of the material of said members 112 and 115 and not at one edge thereof. The marginal notches in said members 112 and 115 are of two depths, those adjacent the uprights 101 and 102 being designated 190. The other and shallower notches upon said members are designated 191. Large apertures 192 are disposed intermediate the deep and shallow notches 190 and 191, but additionally two smaller apertures 193 are arranged at the end of the brackets 170 and substantially intermediate the deepest portions of the shallow notches Each of the rod conductors 200 comprises a highly conductive metal in solid form encased in a dielectric 201 of high resistance. The connector 200 is adhesively covered by material 201, the jointure between the two materials being such that the dielectric material is secured to said conductor material without an intermediate air space. In order to reduce air resistance, the dielectric 201 is tapered on opposite sides and at its ends 202 to give to such material much the shape of a pipe mouth piece with the enlarged end omitted. The narrow sides of ends 202 are arranged to cut the air during the rotation of the rod connectors 200.

Intermediate the hook terminals 156 upon the brackets 150 a conduit must be disposed in order to secure highest efficiency. If said brackets 156 are not connected, half of the current rectified would not be transferred to the tube.

Ordinarily a connector 'member 210 of proper diameter and of a U-shape is employed. This member 210 is completely encased except at its ends 211 in a dielectric 212 of sufficient non-conductivity to prevent short circuiting or spark over with the shoes 155 disposed upon the brackets 160 or said bracket itself.

In order to hold said conduit 210 upon the frame for the device, blocks 213 are secured to the members 120. Said blocks 213 comprise a body portion 214, a cut out portion 215, and an extension or hookportion 216. Conduit 210 encased in dielectric 212 is placed in the cut out portion 215 and is held against displacement by the body 214 and the hook portion 216. Each member 213 is secured to a separator 120 by a screw or screws preferably first inserted through the separator 120 and their penetrating the material of block 213.

It is quite manifest that in the form disclosed for the member 213, such member may be placed at either side of the machine, and a machine may be made right handed or left handed as to conduit 210, as required, be-

cause of such machines location, or other circumstances surrounding its installation.

I claim:

1. In a rectifying switch having a frame, insulatory means comprising a plurality of spacing elements upon said frame, plates of insulating material arranged in pairs and abutting said spacing elements and supported thereby, and a clip member upon each of said spacing elements for securing said plates in such abutting relation to said spacing elements. V

2. In a rectifying switch having a frame, and a plurality of stationary connectors on said frame, insulatory meanscomprising a plurality of cross members of non-conducting sheet material for supporting said connectors upon said frame, each of said cross members being secured to said frame by fasteners of conductivev material and being apertured a greater portion of its width and serrated adjacent such aperture to a depth greater than the width of material remaining about such aperture to prevent said conducting material parts and said connectors from having an unbroken straight line of insulating material therebetween.

3. In a rectifying switch having stationary connectors, insulatory means comprising a frame and cross members of apertured and serrated material for supporting said connectors, said cross members being secured to said frame and said connectors being attached to said cross members by fastening means of conducting material, the apertures being of such diameter and the serrations of such depth in said cross members and so arranged that any current flowing between said fastening means can not flow in a mathematically straight line.

. tending substantially the entire length of said conductor, and a means for holding said sleeve on said frame and havlng a body and a supporting section, said body being secured to said frame by fastening means extending through said frame.

5. In a rectifying switch, an insulatory means intermediate connectors therein and comprising a plurality of spaced plates arranged in pairs, the members of such pairs being separated onefrom another to provide air insulation. therebetween, separate means for holding each palr of plates ad acent its edges.

JULIUS B. WANTZ. 

